Business Details
Your Trusted Driving School in Waterford, CT
Rae's Driving School has been dedicated to providing personalized driver education in southern Connecticut for over two decades. Founded by experienced instructors Mike Monaghan and Mark Maturo, we prioritize one-on-one student development through consistent instruction from the same certified teacher throughout training. Our curriculum combines classroom learning with hands-on driving experience, emphasizing safety and compliance with Connecticut DMV requirements. Mike holds a Master Commercial Instructors License and brings maritime safety expertise, while Mark contributes 25+ years of specialized driver education experience. We serve Madison, North Haven, Stonington, and Waterford communities, offering teen and adult programs that include state-mandated drug/alcohol courses and DMV-approved testing.Our success stems from individualized attention to each student's needs, regardless of age or experience level, ensuring comprehensive preparation for safe driving. With flexible scheduling options and a proven track record of licensing thousands of drivers, we maintain a commitment to road safety education that extends beyond standard requirements. Our team's diverse qualifications, including CPR certification and maritime licensing, enhance our ability to deliver well-rounded instruction. We remain focused on evolving with changing regulations while preserving our core philosophy of personalized driver development.
Services
Teen Driving Classes
Adult Driving Lessons
DMV License Testing
Drug/Alcohol Education
Behind-the-Wheel Training
Parent Driving Workshops
Group Discounts
On-Site Testing
License Renewal Assistance
DMV Knowledge Test Prep
Highlights and features
- We provide consistent instruction with the same instructor throughout your training
- Our team includes Connecticut DMV-licensed instructors with 20+ years of combined experience
- We offer specialized programs for both teen and adult drivers with individual attention
- We maintain flexible scheduling options across multiple Connecticut locations
- Our curriculum includes state-mandated drug/alcohol education and on-site testing
Services
Teen Driving Classes
Our teen driving programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training. Students receive 38 hours of comprehensive education including mandatory drug/alcohol awareness modules. Each student works with the same certified instructor throughout their training for consistent learning and better retention of safe driving practices.
Adult Driving Lessons
Designed for first-time adult drivers and those needing license renewal, our adult programs include DMV-mandated coursework and behind-the-wheel training. Instructors provide personalized instruction tailored to individual experience levels and learning needs while preparing students for Connecticut's licensing requirements.
DMV License Testing
We offer on-site driver's license testing for eligible students aged 16-21. The service includes vehicle provision and 2-hour training session prior to testing. Our staff coordinates test scheduling with DMV inspectors and provides necessary documentation for license processing.
Drug/Alcohol Education
This state-mandated 8-hour program educates drivers about substance effects on driving ability. The curriculum covers BAC levels, impairment recognition, and safe driving strategies. Required for all new drivers under 18 and first-time adult license seekers in Connecticut.
Behind-the-Wheel Training
Professional driving instruction includes vehicle handling, traffic navigation, and defensive driving techniques. Sessions are conducted in our training vehicles with certified instructors who provide real-time feedback and personalized improvement strategies for both teen and adult learners.
People
Mike Monaghan
Owner & Lead Instructor
Connecticut DMV Licensed Instructor for 20 years with Master Commercial Instructors License. Holds US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner credentials and CPR/First Aid certifications. Specializes in comprehensive driver safety education.
Mark Maturo
Senior Instructor
Certified driver educator with 25+ years of full-time teaching experience. Holds degree from Southern Connecticut State University in driver education. Specializes in teen driver development and graduated licensing requirements.
Questions
What driver education options are available for teens?
We offer two programs: 38-hour course with 15 classroom sessions and 8 hours driving (includes parent class), or 8-hour drug/alcohol course with 40 hours parent-supervised driving.
Do you provide DMV license testing services?
Yes, we offer on-site testing for ages 16-21 who complete our training. The $250 fee includes 2-hour training and test. Students must hold permits for required periods before testing.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash payments ($125) or credit card payments ($150) for the 8-hour course. The 38-hour course costs $599.00 and behind-the-wheel testing is $250.00.
Are adult driving lessons available?
Yes, we provide adult education for first-time drivers and those needing license renewal. Services include DMV knowledge test scheduling, behind-the-wheel training, and license testing assistance.
What areas do you serve in Connecticut?
We serve Waterford, Madison, North Haven, and Stonington areas with multiple locations offering flexible scheduling options for both classroom and driving instruction.
Reviews (3)
Josh Rajewski
Aug 27, 2021
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Idk how people have bad reviews about this place, the instructors were great, they picked up the phone when I called AT A REASONABLE TIME and they even got my CS1 certificate for me a day after completing the course. If you're going for a quick drug and alcohol class at a good price this is the place to go
Tiffany Jones
Mar 20, 2021
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Please don't let the negative reviews get your attention. This is the 2nd time that I've used this driving school for my daughters. Considering that this place had to close because of Covid they are handling things very well. Drug and alcohol course is held often, on the road for 2 hours will happen within a few weeks of you turning in your paperwork and a check.
East Coast Ceo
Nov 26, 2020
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Great Classes, Super Safe, Clean, and very helpful. Also when you go on break you can get pizza or a grinder and eat inside or outside. Definitely a Great spot and good instructors.
